Ronald "Hoss" Jones

May 14, 1940 - July 4, 2017

Ronald “Hoss” Jones, 77 of Hoxie, passed this life on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at NEA Baptist Hospital. He was born at Biggers, AR on May 14, 1940 to the late Dewey and Iva Jones. Ron graduated from Hoxie High School in 1960 and married the love of his life Elizabeth Smith in 1962. After graduating from Southern Baptist College and College of the Ozarks with a BSE in Physical Education, Ronald began his career as Coach “Hoss” Jones. To his players it was, “Sir!” His first coaching job was in Poughkeepsie, AR. As life of a coach would have it, he moved his family to many other schools across Arkansas and Missouri. It was 1988 in Houston, MO that he had the honor of being placed in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Coach Jones was a fierce competitor. He was a basketball man along with his wife Liz, and his children Peggy Henson, Stan and Stephanie Jones, all of Hoxie, and Dana Nash of Camdenton, MO. They kept his teams going by keeping score, statistics, and occasionally yelling at the referees. The whole family lives the game. Hoss was tough on his athletes. Unknowingly to them at the time, he built character and discipline in each player. Many have returned to express their appreciation and gratitude for teaching them how to “do life,” be a respected citizen, choose a career, and raise a family. Coach retired in 1995. Upon his retirement, he has enjoyed countless trips to Alaska with his wife Liz. The highlights of his life were his grandchildren, Jessica, Stalaina, Jennifer, Katilyn, and Brittany. Then little doses of happiness were his great-grandchildren Bentley, Natalya, and Abby. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brother, Bud Jones and Dewayne Jones, one sister Buena Jones, and a granddaughter Heather Rakes. Funeral Service will be Saturday July 8, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at the First Freewill Baptist Church in Walnut Ridge with Bro. Blaine Liscomb, pastor of Arbor Grove Baptist where Ron was a member will officiate the service along with a lifetime friend and former pastor, Dennis Truxler. Pallbearers will be former ball players Sam Weaver, Ovie Loge, Brad Baine, Stanley Kennedy, Benny Rothwell, and Scotty Pierce. Interment will follow in the Lawrence Memorial Park. Visitation will be Friday evening from 5 till 8 P.M. at the First Freewill Baptist Church in Walnut Ridge.